The Best Record Shops in Cardiff

Did you know Wales is sometimes referred to as the Land of Song? That's because one of the two things the country's known for adoring is singing (the other is, of course, rugby). And when you consider some of the music that’s come from Wales, it’s not so surprising they earned that name. 

So, as to be expected, there are some unreal record shops in Cardiff, including the oldest record shop in the entire world! Yep, that's right, if you love vinyl, then you can get your own slice of vinyl history in Cardiff. And once you're done, the rest simply must be explored too. From legendary, historic record shops to the newbies on the block who are smashing it, here are the best record shops in Cardiff. 

Spillers Records 

Where: 27 Morgan Arcade in Cardiff CF10 1AF

Specialises in: jazz, hip-hop, rock, and indie 

If you know anything about Spillers Records, you’ll know why we chose to start with it. Spillers is the oldest record shop in the world, having been established back in 1894. The shop thrived for most of its existence inside Queens Arcade until the shop's future was threatened in 2010. 

But such a legendary shop could never fall, especially since icons including Bob Dylan and Beyoncé backed a petition to save the shop, which now resides in the nearby Morgan Arcade. Music legends adore many record shops, but we doubt any other shop has ever had so many huge names supporting it. Today, the shop is still thriving and serving its community up with fresh tunes! 

Kelly's Records

Where: The Balcony, Central Market in Cardiff CF10 1AU

Specialises in: second-hand rare and collectable 

Another record shop in Cardiff with lots of history, Kelly's Records was first established back in 1969. Known for passionate staff who eat, sleep, breathe, and live music, it’s a fantastic place for any collector to have a good rummage. On top of that, the shop has hosted a few events including club nights and pop-up shops to continue to give back to Cardiff's music-loving community. Kelly's is a thriving shop with loyal customers, and if you head there yourself, you'll see why. 

Diggers Club Records

Where: 113-116 West Bute Street, Portland House (second floor) in Cardiff CF10 5AB

Specialises in: rare, imported, classic, and collectable - especially Japanese 

Diggers Club Records is one of the most unique records we have ever come across. The shop, a "speakeasy record shop" located inside Portland House, is a cracking spot for a proper crate-digging experience.

Originally appointment-only, the shop's now open multiple times a week. You can still book a private dig if you want though. But either way, the shop encourages you to take your time, dig, grab a drink, and have a listen to some tunes while looking over Cardiff Bay. Super laidback and all about sharing the love of music, the shop provides an awesome experience that we couldn't recommend more.

D’Vinyl Records

Where: 4 Mackintosh Place in Cardiff CF24 4RQ

Specialises in: second-hand music including vinyl, lots of 80s pop, soul, and commercial 

A shop you could easily get lost in while swimming in cheap vinyl, D'Vinyl has regular sales, but not your typical kind of sale. They regularly offer 50% off all stock. If you fancy taking a chance and trying something new, it's a shop that's worth keeping an eye on so you're ready for another massive sale. And with such a wide range of stock, you could easily spend all day in there just digging and digging. Alongside vinyl, you can also find CDs, DVDs, cassettes, T-shirts, and books. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

Cardiff Record Exchange

Where: 71 Whitchurch Road in Cardiff CF14 3JP

Specialises in: second-hand rare and collectables 

A relative newcomer to the Cardiff record store scene, having opened in December 2020, Cardiff Record Exchange stocks thousands of quality second-hand records from classical music to heavy metal, and all sorts in between. Championing the classic record store ethos of "buy and sell", and being proud of its diversity in stock, this place is an essential visit on Record Store Day. And if you need a break from all that digging, there's also a bar next door, Pop'n'Hops, that focuses on stocking small independent brewers. 

The Record Shop

Where: 1 Inverness Place in Cardiff CF24 4RU

Specialises in: cheap vinyl, all genres with a great deal of 80s pop

The Record Shop is like a man cave, but instead of neon Budweiser signs and table football, there are records dangling from the ceiling, memorabilia on the walls, and dozens of crates to get lost in. It's smaller and more cosy compared to some of the other shops in the city, and heaven for any music lover. And if you spent a bit too much on Record Store Day, you’ll be delighted to hear The Record Shop isn’t short of bargain bins!  

Eager to explore the best record shops in Cardiff? Same here. Whether you’re an audiophile with a collection worth a small fortune or a complete vinyl newbie, these record shops are worth heading down to at the weekend for a good digging session. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header image: Diggers Club Records